The Newport Festivals Foundation announced Wednesday that it has created the Newport Folk Festival Board of Advisors. According to the foundation, the board will serve to "further advance the dialogue with both established and budding musicians."

Board members include Gillian Welch, Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, and Ben Knox Miller of the Low Anthem, all of whom have previously performed at Newport Folk (all but James and Miller played this year's installment).

"Each of these musicians personifies and enhances the spirit of the Newport Folk Festival," said festival founder George Wein in a press release. The advisory board will serve as liasions between potential Newport Folk artists and its producers, acting as both talent scouts and programmers.